Equipping Leaders for the Sacred Work of Grief

Red Bird Ministries’ grief support programs are rooted in parish life and entrusted to peer leaders who have personally endured the loss of a child—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, infant or child loss, adult child loss, or suicide.

Every RBM Leader is formed with training and practical tools that empower them to bring Red Bird Ministries’ programs into their parish, offering families a comprehensive and compassionate system of bereavement care.

These leaders—families who have walked the valley of child loss themselves—accompany grieving parents with tenderness, understanding, and unwavering solidarity. Through their presence and their faithful “yes,” they share in the sacred call to lift the burdens of grief and offer hope where hearts are breaking.

This section will guide you through your first steps with our programs, helping you understand how to begin, what to expect, and where to find support within your parish community.

GETTING STARTED

Ways You Can Serve Your Parish

  • How to Serve as a Parish Flock Leader

    Flock Leaders serve directly within their parish community and must complete Red Bird Ministries’ training course to become certified in implementing grief support programs.

    Led by: Staff, volunteer, or layperson

    Role: The RBM Leader serves as the parish point of contact when a family loses a child, raising awareness of available grief support programs and facilitating small group care. They maintain regular communication with the parish, meet with the pastor, and advocate for the needs of bereaved families.

    Those Called to Serve: Pastoral Minister, Bereavement Minister, Deacon and Wife Team, Volunteer/Family of Loss

  • How to Serve as a Diocesan Advocate

    A Red Bird Ministries chapter is overseen by an archdiocese or diocese, and is led by a Chapter Advocate- a trained RBM Leader who is approved by their diocese to host RBM programming throughout the region.

    Led by: Diocesan representatives, clergy, staff, volunteer, or layperson

    Role: The Advocate Leader mobilizes their team to meet the needs of grieving families, raises awareness of available grief support resources, and promotes collaboration across parishes. They provide updated lists of services, facilitate healing events, and coordinate small group support within the parish or diocese.

    Those Called to Serve: Marriage & Family Life Director, Respect Life Director, Clergy, Deacon & Wife Team, Cemetery Office Director, NFP Director, Catholic Therapist, Volunteer/Family of Loss

Why We Say Yes

Hear from a Red Bird leader as they reflect on what it means to serve grieving families through this ministry. Leadership in Red Bird is not simply about helping with programs or events; it is about showing up, building relationships, and helping create a community where families feel seen, understood, and accompanied in their grief.

For many of our leaders, that yes grows out of their own experience of loss and the desire to offer another family the kind of support, presence, and hope they once needed themselves. This testimony offers a glimpse into the heart of Red Bird leadership and the beautiful ways God can use our own stories, gifts, and willingness to serve for the good of others.

Jenny Ingles, MA, CFCP Director of Fertility and Life Ministries Diocese of Lansing, MI

Steps to getting started:

  • Step 1: Complete the Leader Application Form

    Red Bird is committed to safeguarding the hearts of the families we serve by forming our peer-leader base with intentionality and prayerful discernment. Click here to complete the RBM Leader Application Form.

  • Step 2: Meet with Our Director of Leader Formation

    Once your application is reviewed, you will be invited to schedule a one-on-one Zoom call with Anna Gowasack, our Director of Leader Formation. This is an opportunity to learn more about the ministry, and to discern more deeply how the Lord may be calling you to service.

  • Step 3: Receive Your Application Decision

    We value the gifts of every leader applicant. If your unique gifts and calling align with Red Bird’s mission and methodology, you will receive a confirmation email. If we feel your gifts would be best suited elsewhere, we will follow-up with alternative options for ministry involvement.

  • Step 4: Complete Leader Training

    Once you are welcomed as a Red Bird Leader you will be invited to complete your leader training. Our carefully curated training is completely online and self-paced. A single leader training costs $299 per individual license (spouses may share a license). Diocese or large parishes wishing to train multiple leaders should contact us to inquire about bulk discounts.

  • Step 5: Order Your Program Bundle

    Once you are a trained Red Bird Leader, you are ready to host your first grief healing event! Review our programs below to see RBM’s beautiful offerings.

Leader Training Courses Overview

  • Leaders are introduced to Red Bird Ministries’ mission and methodology and learn foundational skills of being a grief minister and small group leader. They become familiar with Red Bird’s vast library of materials and programs, with access to our leader support team for consultation and strategic implementation.

    $299.00 one-time fee

  • This course offers practical tools for guiding grief support in parish settings, rooted in Red Bird Ministries’ unique model of healing and accompaniment. Participants gain the skills and confidence to lead with compassion, clarity, and spiritual depth. Designed for both new and seasoned ministry leaders, this formation experience empowers communities to foster connection, renewal, and hope.

    $99.00 one-time fee

  • Available Exclusively in the RBM Community App

    - Weekly drop-in leader support calls

    - Playback of mandatory continuing education webinars

    - Regular communications regarding exclusive formation opportunities and ministry updates

    Included with App Subscription

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • An RBM Leader is a trained peer volunteer who has personally experienced the loss of a child and feels called to accompany grieving parents within their parish community. Leaders bring RBM programs into parish life and serve families with compassion, understanding, and faith.

  • Yes. RBM Leaders are peer ministers who have personally experienced child loss. Their lived experience allows them to walk alongside families with empathy, credibility, and deep solidarity.

  • Leaders receive a combination of spiritual formation, pastoral guidance, trauma-informed practices, and practical tools to facilitate Red Bird Ministries’ programs within their parish. Training ensures leaders feel confident, supported, and prepared.

  • Formation varies based on your availability and the needs of your parish, but most leaders complete the initial training and onboarding within several weeks. Ongoing support and continuing education are always available.

  • Leaders guide parents through RBM programs, facilitate support groups, help integrate bereavement care into parish life, and offer compassionate accompaniment to families navigating grief.

  • No. RBM Leaders are not counselors. They are peer ministers who accompany families spiritually and emotionally. When needed, leaders receive guidance on when to refer parents to professional mental health support.

  • Yes. RBM encourages parishes to form a team of leaders to share responsibilities, create sustainability, and support one another in the ministry.

  • Yes. Costs vary per leader based on program selection and formation needs. A detailed cost outline is provided during the inquiry and onboarding process.

    Total Cost Year 1: $752.99–$1,518.99
    Sustaining Annual Cost: $250 minimum